2004 Toyota Kluger CVX 3.3 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Faults:

The left hand front tyre seemed to wear a bit more than the others. I've just got new Toyo OPAT's and they are very grippy, and only slightly noisier than the OEM tyres.

Recently the transmission has started to have some of the problems as described on this forum. I took it to the dealer for a 40,000km service and mentioned the problem. They checked it out and said that they would replace the transfer case under warranty. I will be getting this done in the New Year. The dealer was very good about it. He didn't make excuses for this problem, nor did they try to fob me off.

General Comments:

The car is extremely smooth (until recent transmission problem) and quick. It is comfortable and does everything that I have asked of it.

2004 Toyota Kluger Grande 3.3 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Faults:

One rear taillight assembly split along a seam. Some stress in assembly I assume.

General Comments:

The instruments have visibility issues, especially the odometer which needs lighting like a Subaru.

I complained to the dealer that the blinker clicker unit was too quiet, but apparently they used to be too loud, now they are too soft so we await till Toyota gets it "just right".

It also annoys me that the unit has a light level sensor for the automatic on headlight feature which is basically useless, but fails to use the information to tell the video screen that it is daytime and yes, I do have my lights on.

All the above are minor quibbles. Some of the good follows.

Excellent fuel economy on trips. I have seen better than 9.5 litres/100 Km on trips. Around town (no trips) the figure tends into the mid 13 s. Strangely, on trips it likes undulating country better than all flat for best economy.

The brakes are excellent. Have had to use the BA because of idiots to good effect.

Some motor magazine testers have complained about the over enthusiastic ESC system. They must really hammer the test cars. I have only managed to kick it in once.

I added +50% light globes to low beam to match the hot spots high beam gave. At my age I would look to a car with HID headlights in future.